Ponte dei Trepponti

The most distinctive structure in Comacchio and one of the most unusual bridges in Italy, the Trepponti (literally 'three bridges') spans a canal junction where several waterways converge just inside the old city walls. Built in the 17th century, it has five separate stairways rising from five different directions to meet at a central platform, with four arched spans crossing the canal below and two small watchtowers above. The whole structure is perfectly symmetrical and thoroughly strange.

The bridge served as the main gate through which goods — primarily eels — entered and left the island city, and it doubled as a customs post. Today it is Comacchio's most photographed sight. Walk across it in the early morning when the light comes low across the canal and the surrounding streets are quiet. The bridge is a short walk north from the cathedral.

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A story
The Trepponti bridge was built in 1634 by papal engineer Luca Danese, commissioned by Pope Urban VIII to control the main land entrance to the then-fortified island of Comacchio. The design — five stairways, four arches, two towers — was as much about intimidation as navigation: arriving travellers had to climb the central arch and pass between the towers, their goods visible and taxable. For three centuries it was the main customs checkpoint for the valley's eel trade.